Sidney BC - Explore the Delightful Shops, Cafes and Wharfs of this Seaside Town

Located only about 29 km north of Victoria, Sidney BC is more affectionately referred to as Sidney-By-The-Sea. A charming seaside town worth a visit on your driving vacation to Vancouver Island.

Turning off the Pat Bay Highway, you're on Beacon Avenue - the main street of Sidney and the hub of activity. Here you'll find a wonderful variety of boutiques, gift shops, bakeries, art and pottery galleries (featuring local artists), and lots of good coffee houses.

If you especially like books, then don't miss Tanner's Books. It's an incredible bookstore, and it has a great children's section you can take you kids into (warning: they may not come out!)

Sidney has plenty of beautiful areas to walk - especially along the waterfront at the end of the main shopping street. Wonderful sea walks, pretty flower gardens and a stunning view across Georgia Strait to the mountains.

Don't miss an opportunity to walk right down to the end of Beacon Avenue onto the old federal wharf (fresh fish daily). Here you'll see, on a clear day, the snowcapped summits of the Olympic range in Washington State. Watch for eagles, seals, cormorants and more. You'll get some nice pictures.

Sidney BC is also a good location for outdoor adventures!

If you're an experienced kayaker, try renting a kayak from one of several suppliers in town and explore the Sidney shoreline or venture over to the Gulf Islands.

Sidney is also a premiere diving destination. Dive the wrecks of HMCS MacKenzie (a 110-metre long destroyer) and the G.B. Church (a coastal freighter) just offshore. Local dive shops can give you more information or stop in at the Sidney Visitor Info Centre located at 2480 Beacon Avenue.

Another local attraction definitely worth a visit is the BC Aviation Museum located near the Victoria International Airport. Lots of interesting flight history and planes on display.

Getting to Sidney BC - Via Ferry

The Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal is located just 3 or 4 kms north of Sidney at the end of Highway 17. Ferry traffic comes to the Island here from the mainland BC (Vancouver).

The other Sidney BC ferry service, is provided by Washington State Ferries. Depart Sidney BC for Friday Harbour and Anacortes located in the San Juan Islands, USA. The Sidney terminal is located at 2499 Ocean Avenue, right in town. Click Here to view the Anacortes Ferry Schedule .

Where to Stay in Sidney

• Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites . It's a nice hotel in a really nice location - overlooking the waterfront at the foot of Beacon Avenue in Sidney. Nice selection of rooms at reasonable rates. The hotel also offers spa and golf packages.

• If you’d prefer to stay at a local bed and breakfast, then we’d recommend staying at the Cartref Bed and Breakfast in Sidney. Clean and quiet with good breakfasts. Enjoy the walking trails and beaches nearby. Phone in advance to book a room.

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